Before you travel to Miami
To make sure you arrive in Miami with no surprises, this guide covers everything worth checking before your flight: documents, packing, budget, weather and common rookie mistakes. Any extra questions, just message us.
Passport and visa / ESTA
Your passport must be valid for the entire trip. U.S. citizens need ID + driver's license. Visitors from Visa Waiver countries (most of Europe, UK, Australia, Canada) need an ESTA online ($21, valid 2 years). Visitors from non-Waiver countries need a B1/B2 tourist visa.
TIP: Apply for your ESTA or visa at least 60 days before traveling. Print the confirmation: sometimes they ask for it at the border even though it's in their system.
Customs (CBP) at the airport
Arriving at Miami International (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), you go through Customs and Border Protection. They take a photo, fingerprints and ask basic questions (how many days, where you're staying, purpose of trip).
TIP: Download the free Mobile Passport Control app: scan your passport ahead and skip the long line. Have the full Pavilion address (5601 Collins Ave, Miami Beach FL 33140).
International medical insurance
Highly recommended. Medical care in the U.S. without insurance can cost thousands of dollars for one consultation or a few hours in the hospital.
TIP: Cover at least $100,000 in coverage, including emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation. If you travel with kids, add pediatric coverage. Save the 24h assistance number in your phone.
December – April (high season)
Best weather of the year: 65–82°F, low humidity, little rain. Sunny days almost always. Also the most expensive and crowded.
TIP: Book restaurants and tours at least 2 weeks ahead. Swimsuits + a light sweater for cooler evenings.
May and November (shoulder season)
Warm but still pleasant (72–86°F). Fewer tourists, better prices, occasional but short rains. Best price/weather/availability ratio.
TIP: May brings F1 Miami GP — if you travel that week, book WAY ahead because everything spikes in price.
June – October (hurricane and rainy season)
Hot (80–93°F) and very humid. Storms almost daily in the afternoon (short, 30 min). Official hurricane season: June to November. Peaks August-September.
TIP: Get travel insurance with hurricane and cancellation coverage. Beach mornings, museums or shopping in afternoons. Rain always gives a break.
Clothing: light, comfortable, slightly dressy
Summer clothes (t-shirts, shorts, dresses), swimsuits (2–3 per person), sandals and walking shoes. A light sweater or jacket — the A/C is freezing.
TIP: If you plan dinner at premium restaurants or lounges (Komodo, Juvia, Faena), pack something 'smart casual'. Long pants and button-down for him, dress or pants for her.
Don't forget these
SPF 50 sunscreen (buy it back home — costs double here), hat or cap, sunglasses with UV protection, universal chargers (U.S. is 110V), adapter if you're from Europe, bug spray.
TIP: Pack a basic first-aid kit: pain reliever, ibuprofen, antihistamine, bandages, anti-diarrheal. Medications in the U.S. are expensive and many require a prescription.
Tipping: NEVER included (almost never)
At restaurants, the standard tip is 18–20% of the subtotal before tax. At bars, $1–2 per drink. For Uber/taxis, $2–5. For hotel porters, $1–2 per bag. For valet parking, $3–5.
HEADS UP: some restaurants now include a 'service charge' of 18–20% automatically (especially for 6+ people). Check the bill before adding more. If you see 'gratuity included', you don't need to add.
Sales tax: NOT included in prices
The price you see on menus, in stores and at supermarkets does NOT include taxes. Miami-Dade sales tax is 7%.
TIP: Mentally add about 10% to the price to get the real final cost. That avoids surprises at the register.
How much per day (rough budget)
For a family of 4 in high season: $250–400/day eating out (3 meals + a snack), $50–100/day on transportation (Uber + parking), $30–80/day on activities (museums, beach with umbrella). Premium activities are extra.
TIP: Cooking at the apartment saves 40–60% on food costs. Stock up one day at Publix ($100–150) and you've got breakfasts and some dinners covered.
How much per day (rough budget)
For a family of 4 in high season: $250–400/day eating out (3 meals + a snack), $50–100/day on transportation (Uber + parking), $30–80/day on activities (museums, beach with umbrella). Premium activities are extra.
TIP: You don't need English to visit Miami. If in doubt, just ask 'Do you speak Spanish?' when entering any place.
How much per day (rough budget)
For a family of 4 in high season: $250–400/day eating out (3 meals + a snack), $50–100/day on transportation (Uber + parking), $30–80/day on activities (museums, beach with umbrella). Premium activities are extra.
TIP: The apartment has Wi-Fi included (info on the board inside). If you only need WhatsApp and maps, you can wait until arriving and use The Pavilion Wi-Fi + cafés.
How much per day (rough budget)
For a family of 4 in high season: $250–400/day eating out (3 meals + a snack), $50–100/day on transportation (Uber + parking), $30–80/day on activities (museums, beach with umbrella). Premium activities are extra.
TIP: With kids, also add: Curb (taxis with car seats), Yelp (reviews), TripAdvisor (attractions).